DECISIVE Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'decisive' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of decisive are conclusive , definitive , and determinative . While all these words mean "bringing to an end," decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty. // a decisive battle

Q: When is 'conclusive' a more appropriate choice than 'decisive'?

In some situations, the words conclusive and decisive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning. // conclusive evidence

Q: When can 'definitive' be used instead of 'decisive'?

The words definitive and decisive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent. // the definitive biography

Q: When is it sensible to use 'determinative' instead of 'decisive'?

The meanings of determinative and decisive largely overlap; however, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction. // the determinative factor in the court's decision

decisive

adjective

di-ˈsī-siv

Definition of decisive next

as in resolute

fully committed to achieving a goal only a team with a decisive attitude is going to win a state championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in conclusive

having the power to persuade a lawyer who knows how to construct the kind of decisive argument that sways a jury

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in definitive

serving to put an end to all debate or questioning the decisive finding of the coroner regarding the cause of death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word decisive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of decisive are conclusive, definitive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When is conclusive a more appropriate choice than decisive?

In some situations, the words conclusive and decisive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When can definitive be used instead of decisive?

The words definitive and decisive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When is it sensible to use determinative instead of decisive?

The meanings of determinative and decisive largely overlap; however, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of decisive With Trump’s decisive victory in the election, these admirers of the long arc of the United States’ democratic journey, if not necessarily all its global policies, now fear what might come next for the country and, by extension, democracies across the world. —

Larry Diamond, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024 The result is a decisive victory for Trump, who was not predicted to win the popular vote, and was trailing Kamala Harris in the Electoral College odds for much of the period between Harris becoming her party's nominee and Election Day. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024 Former President Donald Trump, considered a political outcast after losing the presidency in 2020 and an attack by his supporters on the U.S. Capitol, was elected to another term on Wednesday in a decisive and astounding victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. —

Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2024 Governor Mike Kehoe became the governor elect on Tuesday with a decisive victory over Democratic nominee Crystal Quade. —

Matt Rybaltowski, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decisive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive

Adjective

Roberts was resolute that another bullpen game could and would get the job done.

Dan Freedman, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
No one should be suggesting Canada comes out of Copa America with massive changes to its starting line-up and defensively the team were resolute, compact and decisive.

Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 10 July 2024